Local artists Michelle Bond, Lisa Marple and Mary-Jane Betts are set to host their next art exhibition, called ‘Triptych’, at Strathnairn ARTS, Canberra, on October 19–November 12.

The opening will be on Saturday October 21 at 3pm.

For Ms Bond, she said the exhibition came about from an idea she had about two years ago.

“It was to challenge myself and show my work again,” she said.

“Its been a long time since I last exhibited my photos and even longer since I exhibited other artwork.”

She asked Ms Betts and Ms Marple to be part of the show.

“I have a huge amount of respect for them both as friends and artists,” Ms Bond said.

Meaning of the name

Triptych is defined as “a set of three associated artistic, literary or musical works intended to be appreciated together”.

“Traditionally a Triptych was three carved panels that were hinged together and this we saw as a metaphor for our lives,” Ms Bond said.

I've always believed that you put a part of yourself into your artwork and you do it with love, soul and a certain amount of courage.

Michelle Bond, artist

“We are all busy mums who love to create art. One of the most important factors of this exhibition is the process itself. Having a deadline and a show to put together meant that there were no excuses...we had to produce new artworks.”

For Ms Marple, she said she had known both of the women since she moved to Yass in 2002.

“When I moved here, I went to a mother’s group and that group became an artists’ group. We’ve always supported each other,” she said.

It will be her first time exhibiting with Ms Betts in eight years and her first ever with Ms Bond.

Creative process an important factor

She said the creative process was incredibly valued by all of the artists as a way of getting into their head spaces.

“I've always believed that you put a part of yourself into your artwork and you do it with love, soul and a certain amount of courage,” she said.

The exhibition was a long time in the making with their application to Strathnairn beginning in early 2016.

“We are all very much looking forward to seeing our completed work hanging together and filling both Galleries at Strathnairn. It is exciting and nerve-racking at the same time,” Ms Bond said.